The Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives is incorporating aspects commemorating the centenary of the First World War into the State Opening of the 51st Parliament on 21 October 2014.

The State opening will begin at 10:30am. At this ceremony the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Jerry Mateparae, comes to Parliament to deliver the Speech from the Throne. This event features much pomp and circumstance, blending the traditions of Westminster with tikanga Māori.

In advance of the ceremonies inside Parliament will be a Royal Salute on Parliament’s forecourt followed by the inspection and parade of the Royal Tri-Service Guards of Honour. Coinciding with the salute, two Royal New Zealand Air Force A109 airplanes and one NH-90 helicopter will fly past, followed by three historic SE5a aircraft (courtesy of Sir Peter Jackson, ONZ, KNZM).

Though rooted in formality and tradition, the event is also an exciting opportunity for the members of Parliament and their families to celebrate. There are also opportunities for the public to observe the ceremonies as they happen on the Parliament forecourt, and once the formalities move inside, interested members of the public can view the rest of the ceremony from a viewing space at the National Library, across the road from Parliament. It’s shaping up to be a fun and memorable event for all taking part.